Odota area along Airport Road in Ilorin, Kwara State, was on Sunday evening thrown into a momentary state of frenzy as a middle-aged man who hid under the cover of insanity to carry out his nefarious activities was beaten to a pulp, then set ablaze by a mob.

The victim, who feigned insanity to avoid detection,was nabbed while trying to abduct a nine-year oldchild.

When interrogated, the suspect, who identifiedhimself as Raimi Wasiu, a native of Osogbo in OsunState, confessed to being a kidnapper alongsideseven others and blamed economic hardship forhis predicament.

He was also said to have confessed to be workingfor an Islamic cleric who lives around Hajj Camp,Ilorin.

An eyewitness disclosed that “People of the area have been watching the man who lived in anabandoned building by the roadside. And true totheir suspicion, he was caught attempting to abduct a little child”.

The mob, after dispossessing the victim of charms,rings and amulets, set him ablaze.

The police, who we gathered were called, did notarrive until after the victim had been roasted aliveand took his remains away.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, OlufemiFabode, an Assistant Superintendent of Police,confirmed the incident, saying investigation hascommenced. He however added that the policewere yet to make any arrest.